How do I know if I'm staying in a relationship out of love or fear of being alone?

Mirabai knew something about this—she left everything comfortable to follow what she actually loved, and it terrified everyone around her. Here's what I've noticed: fear of being alone often comes with a quiet, chronic tension. You're managing the relationship, monitoring your partner's mood, shrinking yourself to fit. Love—even complicated, hard love—has a different texture. There's still aliveness in it, even when you're struggling. Try this: Imagine yourself alone for a year. Not sad about it—just alone. What comes up? Relief? Grief? Panic? All of these are information. The panic alone doesn't mean you're staying from fear—people in genuine love fear loss. But if the panic is the *only* thing keeping you there, if removing it reveals no actual connection underneath, that's your answer. Mirabai's examined her own heart relentlessly. She asked: am I here because I chose this, or because I'm afraid of the cost of choosing myself? You can ask the same. The answer might be uncomfortable. But you'll know it when it lands.